The Behavioral Science of Firearms

A Mental Health Perspective on Guns, Suicide, and Violence

Gianni Pirelli, Hayley Wechsler, and Robert J. Cramer

Description

The Behavioral Science of Firearms focuses on applying behavioral science principles and knowledge to inform and improve firearm-related policy, practice, and research. The authors provide comprehensive coverage of relevant case law and legal statutes, as well as issues pertaining to violence, suicide, and gun safety. Additional topics include civilian firearm ownership suitability; considerations for relevant professions (such as the military, law enforcement, and corrections); self-care; and more. Concepts are presented via a best-practices model that promotes empirically-supported decision-making. Drawing on a range of arenas such as psychology, sociology, criminal justice, and law, The Behavioral Science of Firearms is an essential resource for a wide readership, including practitioners, institutional and law enforcement personnel, legislators, and academicians and students in fields such as psychology, criminal justice, and public health.

The Behavioral Science of Firearms

A Mental Health Perspective on Guns, Suicide, and Violence

Gianni Pirelli, Hayley Wechsler, and Robert J. Cramer

Author Information

Gianni Pirelli, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist in New York and New Jersey, where he runs a group clinical and forensic psychology practice. He is the editor of his state association's journal, the New Jersey Psychologist.

Hayley Wechsler, Ph.D. is an admissions psychologist working toward licensure at the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero.

Robert J. Cramer, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Community and Environmental Health at Old Dominion University, and editor of the Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research.

The Behavioral Science of Firearms

A Mental Health Perspective on Guns, Suicide, and Violence

Gianni Pirelli, Hayley Wechsler, and Robert J. Cramer

Reviews and Awards

"Too often the intersection of the topics of firearms and mental illness is the subject of misconceptions or approached with political partisanship. Dr. Pirelli and his colleagues have provided a thorough and apolitical exposition of the history and many clinical, legal, and behavioral issues associated with the topics of firearms and behavioral health. This book is a welcome addition to the new, cutting edge literature that relies on research evidence, some designed and conducted by the authors themselves, to examine and draw conclusions regarding best practices in managing the public health problems presented by violence, suicide, and firearms." --Liza Gold, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Georgetown University School of Medicine

"This is a timely, thoughtful, and encyclopedic analysis of firearms for mental health practitioners. Striving to be even-handed and objective, the authors carefully navigate the many controversies over firearms research, law, and policy. They present the social and cultural factors supporting gun ownership yet also review research on the role of guns in domestic violence, suicide, and mass murder. They break new ground in forensic mental health assessment for questions of firearms ownership and safety that can arise in many different legal contexts." --Dewey Cornell, Ph.D., Forensic clinical psychologist and Bunker Professor of Education, Director, Virginia Youth Violence Project, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia